Good morning, Albuquerque.

New Mexico in Focus aired segments where environmental experts (Trout Unlimited’s Dan Roper and filmmaker Renea Roberts) urged state officials to invest in river restoration and reported UNM signing a new five-year contract for Coach Eck, making him the highest-paid public employee.

The Rail Yards holiday market is open today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10th Street and Stover Avenue and features over 300 local vendors offering food, handmade items, and mariachi music starting at 1 p.m. (Parking is free though the lot fills fast with a park-and-ride option at the zoo.)

Farolitos lit the ancient walls of San José de los Jémez Mission and Gisewa Pueblo as dancers circled bonfires at the annual Lights of Gisewa holiday event in Jemez Springs today.

The event honors the ancestors of the Jemez Pueblo community & draws hundreds of visitors each year.

Brandon Gunn from the UNM Tamarind Institute helped save centuries-old lithography ink traditions by collaborating with Cranfield Colour and UWE Bristol experts in June 2024.

He later worked with Albuquerque’s Takach Press to test the new non-drying ink formula (first batch sold out) that led to a third production run.

UNM's Alza Council recently hosted the Celebration of Inclusive Excellence and reinstated its Luminaria Awards (including categories such as Empowerment in Action and El Corazón) at Jackson Student Center to honor over 50 campus leaders for fostering a more inclusive community.

The New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee endorsed eight proposals, including a math bill requiring six hours of methods courses and a literacy bill expanding reading supports at a Santa Fe meeting.

The measures may be reviewed during the regular budgetary session starting Jan. 20 & require further state action.

The New Mexico Environment Department said air quality permit applications for the Project Jupiter data center in Doña Ana County are incomplete; developers must provide additional details by Jan.

19 to clarify plans for the proposed natural gas generators.

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers reached an agreement on joining the medical compact for doctors and the bill will be fast-tracked to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk during the 30-day session starting Jan.

20 in Santa Fe.

Eastside Animal Shelter hosted a pet adoption event yesterday with waived fees and Santa guiding families to meet their future pet match, while director Carolyn Ortega advised choosing companions carefully for long-term care.

Monday Night Watch Parties with 100.3 The Peak

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL broadcasts with giveaways and delicious eats.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — African American Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a beautiful candlelit setting.

River of Lights

5-10 p.m. — ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden — Adults $21, Youth $12 — Experience New Mexico's largest walk-through holiday light show with dazzling displays and festive activities.

Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL action with giveaways and great food.

Midland Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Route 66 Casino Hotel — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the energetic sounds of Midland this New Year's Eve.

Albuquerque Career Fair

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North — Free entry — Meet live with hiring employers and explore career opportunities.

Gene Simmons Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Backstage at Revel — Ticketed event — Experience an unforgettable live performance by the legendary Gene Simmons.

International District Book Group

5-6:30 p.m. — International District Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about inclusive YA books with diverse characters and themes.